FORT WORTH, Texas (RNS) — When Jason Whitehead first saw the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee mascot, Luce, it “was a bit of a surprise,” he said.
The anime-style character was a far cry from the traditional Roman Catholic style art the Fort Worth Diocese’s director of the department for evangelization and catechesis was familiar with. The cartoon character, with her scallop shell eyes — a traditional symbol of pilgrimage and hope — yellow raincoat, muddy boots, missionary cross and pilgrim’s staff, was a bid to engage younger Catholics, said Archbishop Rino Fisichella, chief organizer for the Jubilee year.
The Jubilee or Holy Year, celebrated every 25 years, is an opportunity for Catholic faithful to visit Rome in search of spiritual replenishment or forgiveness of sins. Officially kicked off with the opening of the sealed holy doors on Dec. 24, this year’s Jubilee has the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” and is expected to bring over 30 million visitors to the Vatican.
Luce’s pilgrimage attire is meant to reflect the colors of the Vatican flag and symbolize journeying through life’s storms. Her eyes feature scallop shells, a traditional symbol of pilgrimage and hope. Luce, or “light” in Italian, was designed by Italian artist Simone Legno. His company, tokidoki, draws from Legno’s “deep love of Japan and fascination with world cultures.”
The official mascot for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year is named Luce, which is Italian for “light.” (Simone Legno/tokidoki/Vatican Media)
Interacting and connecting with young Catholics in 2025 means engaging in pop culture and social media, said Whitehead, whose role overseeing how the faith is taught within the Fort Worth Diocese includes vetting curricula and guest speakers a …